Fruitful Cooperation between China and Dominica

– An Interview with David Xu, Special Envoy of the Commonwealth of Dominica

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica. China’s 1.3 billion-strong population dwarfs Dominica’s less than 100,000 inhabitants. However, the two countries share a common understanding of equality and mutual benefit and have developed bilateral relations noticeably over the past 10 years, witnessed by achievements ranging from high-level visits and meetings between leaders to fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural, educational and tourism sectors. Amity between the two countries has improved, along with more frequent economic and trade exchanges.

David Xu, Special Envoy of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Commercial Counselor, told China Today in an exclusive interview of the Dominican people’s sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for a decade of selfless assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica.

A Chinese Government Scholarship Awarding Ceremony was held on August 7, 2013, at the Chinese Embassy in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Closer Ties

China Today: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica. What do you think of the relationship between the two countries?

David Xu: The Commonwealth of Dominica, situated along the eastern margin of the Caribbean Sea, is known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. It has abundant fresh water, lush rainforests and many tourist attractions. Though the population of Dominica is less than 100,000, its inhabitants lead a happy life and enjoy political stability. As a significant member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dominica plays an important role among the 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies. On the basis of mutual understanding and trust, member nations share an interest in politics, the economy and foreign affairs, and have the same passport and currency, which is important to China in terms of its strategic geopolitical role.

Bilateral relations between the two developing countries have improved rapidly and steadily since 2004 when diplomatic relations were established. Friendship and cooperation between the two sides continue to deepen and expand. The government of Dominica firmly supports China’s policy on foreign affairs and territorial integrity and proactively maintains bilateral friendship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, high-level exchanges and political trust have been enhanced. Former President Nicholas Liverpool, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Speaker of the House of Assembly Alix Boyd-Knights and several cabinet ministers have each paid visits to China. In 2008, Liverpool and Skerrit were present at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games. In 2010, Liverpool attended CARICOM Day at the Shanghai World Expo.

In June 2013, during his state visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Skerrit. Later in July, Premier Li Keqiang also met with Skerrit and discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, medical care, transport and sustainable development to push for more mutual benefits for the two countries.